My Photography

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Mother India

Today, while sorting through and packing things up I came across a brass bell. This is a bell that came from my parent's arts and crafts store from when I was a kid. I seem to recall that it was made in India. I remember when I was a child I thought of India as a very far away and exotic country. Another world from the California suburban neighborhood that I grew up in. I can recall looking at Time-Life picture books that featured images of "native" people from all over the world. I poured over these pictures as a child growing up. Fascinated with the colors of traditional costumes and the wide variety of facial characteristics... human beings were so different the world over! But it was the India books that really grabbed me. There was a richness and beauty there that was captivating.

I know, I am using a lot of flowery language here, but you are going to have to forgive me. For this week is a major one for me and I am grasping at my words, trying to explain how I am feeling. You see, in one week I will leave the place that has become my home over the last 3 1/2 years. My dear crazy India. I may have been captivated with the pictures as a child, but I have fallen in love with the place as an adult and to say I am going to miss it... words can't explain.

The people, its culture, the noise, the cows, the traffic, the autos (rickshaws)... all weave together to create a country that really is like no other. Some don't like it, but I have grown to consider it a part of my daily life. I now get nervous when it is too quiet and the chaos that greets me as I walk out the door soothes me truly.

So, before I wax on to the point of using every literary catchphrase that exists to mankind, I will sign off and simply share some of the faces and places of my dear India. Enjoy.

6 comments:

What a huge move. I know you will keep an open heart for your new location, but do understand it will be an enormous adjustment and a piece of you will stay behind.

I also remember as a small child pouring over my grandfather's National Geographic collection and being so drawn to the colors and faces that existed elsewhere. Wonder if that is what made me such a globe-trotter. Only one in my family who had the bug.

@Mridula - Thanks! As for the posing, I don't know, I think I just try to connect with people and somehow people in India are very open to that!

@Angeluna - I'll definitely be reporting from Manila, though am trying to decide if I will move to another blog (that would be connected with my photo website). I'll figure that out when I get there I guess! Heart is always open :)

@Debbie Ann - We think we have found a place to stay and it is walking distance from a weekend organic market. THAT part I am looking forward to!

About Me

Comin' at ya LIVE from China! (shhh.. don't tell)
I am older than I was yesterday but still young at heart. I am a mom to six younger people (aka "kids"). They range in age from 26 to 20. One of them is a boy, erhm- I mean, strapping young man! I love my husband because he is a great guy. I sometimes question my sanity! I (REALLY) appreciate good dark chocolate...